I love watching someone's ego get in the way of common sense during an argument. And by love, I mean I love to laugh hysterically at it.
Some people can get so self absorbed, they don't realize they're in way too deep in an argument that has no end in sight. So because someone would rather yell back and forth until they're blue in the face, they lose the opportunity to walk away with grace and class.
We've all been in this situation ourselves or witnessed it happening.
But walking away is not giving up or giving in — it's about ending an argument on your terms. When you're disagreeing with someone and you see that you're in an unwinnable spot, the key is to walk away before you end up in a scenario where it's nothing but irrational views 24/7.
So how to know when to walk away and when to fight the good fight? Check out my top 3 Quick and Dirty Tips for how walking away from an argument:
1. Know your opponent
Okay, so maybe the person you're arguing with is not really an "opponent" in the fighting sense. However, sometimes you'll encounter people with viewpoints you consider so off base, that you start to shout expletives like an NFL coach disputing a referee.
Sadly, there is no yellow flag that you could toss into an argument from the sidelines. You need to do that yourself. To throw the metaphorical yellow flag, you have to look at the person across from you and figure out what type of person they really are. After you figure that out, you'll now know how deep you can go and when to walk away.
One way to understand your opponent in an argument is to listen to how fast they lose their temper. When you're arguing with a rather sane person, the argument is more of a discussion, or a healthy debate. But when you're arguing with an irrational lunatic, an argument can quickly become a fight, and you never want that happen. So knowing how quickly your opponent can get off balance is a good gauge as to when you should walk away.
If your opponent gets heated after your first rebuttal, be prepared to pack your bags soon. How soon? Well, that depends on the type of conversation. But in any argument, the key is to make your point and leave with your pride and reputation intact. If the other person is willing to get nasty early on, this is your cue to drop your sword, smile, and simply walk away.
2. Your comfort zone
In some professions, arguing is as much a part of the job as having to wear a suit and tie. But unless you're a lawyer or prizefighter, arguments aren't part of your work life. I'd guess that for the majority of us (myself included) arguing is a hassle, it's annoying, and highly unmannerly.
When you raise your voice, you lose control. Whether right or wrong, you're giving away a piece of your own power, your leverage, to hold your rising tone. We all do this though. We can't help it. But it's how you harness that energy that separates mature adults from hair-trigger teenagers.
As I said in Tip #1, some people lose their temper quicker than others, because that's all they know. They use their tone and body language to push people around, and don't care about hearing anyone else's story, regardless of how wrong they are.
I can't stand these people!
Personally it makes me uncomfortable to be around them, and I refuse to engage in an argument with this type of person. It's just outside my comfort level. This is why I try to avoid loud arguments at all costs.
Please understand that this does not make me a pushover. Being mannerly doesn't mean being a wimp — it's about being respectful of those around you and of yourself. So when I'm in a situation where I feel a nasty argument coming on, I ask myself "How deep am I willing to take this?" and "How much aggression am I comfortable with?"
Answers to these questons will help you determine your comfort zone. If you know that anything past that point may take you into an unsafe area, where you might say something you will regret later, you will see it coming and walk away.
You are not admitting defeat, you're simply keeping a promise to yourself that you won't fall into someone else's anger trap.
3. Drop the mic
As a fan of stand-up comedy, I love watching how comedians end their sets. The really good ones end with a killer joke that makes everyone stand up and beg for more. Maybe the comedian comes back out to say thanks and wave, but that's it. A good comedian ends with homerun, then "drops the mic" and it's curtains. That's how you make a statement — that's how you say, "It's a wrap!"
Comedians use their wit and quick thinking to shock their audience. That's a great skill to have in an argument. Of course, if you've ever tried stand-up comedy, you know it's not nearly as easy as they make it appear.
You can use the "drop the mic" technique to walk away with your head held high from any argument. Say you're in a heated discussion with someone and you can see it going to the dark side. Instead of engaging any further, simply make your point, make it intelligently, don't leave any questions on the table, drop the mic, and walk away. If your opponent yells at you to come back to finish the argument — well, who looks silly now? Not you.
By dropping the mic, you leave the stage in control; you have the last word. When you walk away, it's on your terms. Who can argue with that?
SEE ALSO: Science says these 9 tactics will help you win any argument
Join the conversation about this story »
NOW WATCH: Scientists figured out what diseases you’re more likely to get based on your birth month